Washington Capitals: Top 5 preseason predictions

3 of 6

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 14: Travis Boyd #72 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period at Wells Fargo Center on March 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Capitals won 5-2. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

#4 Travis Boyd will record a hat trick

Evgeny Kuznetsov is serving a three-game suspension due to conduct inappropriate to the NHL. As a result, there’s a position on the third line center up for grabs with Lars Eller (assuming he’s healthy) moving up for second line responsibilities. One player that I think has the best chance of making that spot in the lineup is Travis Boyd.

How does Boyd get there? He needs a good preseason and so far he’s had one goal on the power play. I strongly believe he’ll have a multi-goal game or even a hat trick in one of these upcoming preseason games, earning a spot at the third line center position.

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 4:Washington Capitals center Travis Boyd (72) skates down ice during the third period of the game between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens at Capital One Arena on Thursday, April 4, 2019. The Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

One time when Boyd played in the AHL for the Hershey Bears, he recorded a hat trick just before he was called up to the Caps in the 2017-18 season in their run to the Stanley Cup.

With his daughter Hayden in the hospital, Boyd scored four goals and dedicated the game against the Laval Rocket to his number one fan.

Overall, it’s important for Boyd to have a good preseason after the team signed two players worthy of the fourth line but the Kuznetsov suspension does open the door for Boyd to make the lineup now.

Home/Editorials